Rum and Coke Recipe (How to Make the Best Cocktail)

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Our Rum and Coke recipe makes one of the most popular rail drinks ever! You can make this rum drink with simple ingredients in 5 minutes! This classic cocktail is a great choice and offers the perfect balance and flavor profile. 

titled collage for rum and coke recipe


 

Are you looking for a simple cocktail? I promise you that this is one of the most popular cocktails for a reason.

It’s simple and will take your bartending skills to the next level. While people say that you can make this in a number of ways, all I know is that it’s a solid choice for making a delicious cocktail right at home.

If you have your own rum at home, ready to use, you’ll literally have the perfect drink in minutes. 

The flavors of Coke paired with the classic rum prove why it’s a popular drink. I prefer to pour mine into a highball glass with ice cubes, but rum cocktails like this are meant to be enjoyed however you want.

Use a good rum and your favorite type of Coca Cola, and you’re set. Just add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a slice of lime for additional flavor!

That’s literally all that you have to do to make this simple drink. 

One final tip? ENJOY! 

rum in a clear glass

Rum and Coke Recipe

Also known as Cuba Libre, these rail drinks are the perfect combination of sweet, bubbly, and refreshing!

In fact, a Rum and Coke is delicious enough to drink for a casual gathering, but fancy enough for a dinner party.

Your taste buds will be singing after the first sip and the best part is that it doesn’t require anything strange. Odds are, if you have a well-stocked bar you already have what you need.

If you love this rum and coke recipe, you are going to go crazy for my Jack’s Tennessee Sweet Tea. It’s amazing on a hot day!

coke and rum poured into a glass

How To Make Rum and Coke

You won’t find an easier rum drink to make than this one!

Fill your glasses with ice and add rum. Fill the glass the rest of the way with cola, add a lime wedge and start sipping!

Helpful Tips and Tricks

  • Feel free to go dark. I love to use light rum because it’s naturally sweeter and a little more subtle.

    However, feel free to swap it with dark aged rum or golden. Just pick something you already like.
  • Adjust the ratio. While I prefer the flavor combination of double the cola and half the rum, you may want to go with equal portions of each.

    Play around with the flavors until it reaches your desired result.
  • Give it a citrus twist. You could simply add the garnish and start drinking, OR you could add a squeeze of lime.

    The lime will soften the sweetness of the coke and give the mixed drink a little more acidity. For optimal flavor, squeeze the lime straight into the glass. 
  • Stick with good quality ingredients. It’s worth it to buy quality coke and rum.

    Using good quality ingredients will keep the sweetness and acidity ratios perfect, so the drink is more enjoyable.
  • Add some more bubbly. For an extra fun flavor, swap half of the cola for sparkling wine or champagne.

    It’s going to give you a less sweet result with lots of bubbles. To prevent the drink from falling flat, skip adding lime juice and stick with lemon or orange slices. 
overhead: lime slices surrounding drinking glasses with ice and dark liquid

Rum and Coke Recipe FAQ

Do I need to use Mexican Coke?

Mexican coke is made with real cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup like it is in the United States. It’s primarily up to you to decide what you like best. If you can’t find it in your local grocery store you can buy it online here.

Can I use different alcohol?

Yes, you can swap the rum for different liquor but keep in mind it won’t be a rum and coke any longer. Try out your favorite whisky, vodka, or tequila for a fun twist on flavors.

2 glasses of rum and coke recipe

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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glass of rum and coke with lime

rail drink in short glass

Rum and Coke Recipe (How to Make the Best Cocktail)

Donna Elick
Our Rum and Coke recipe makes one of the most popular rail drinks ever! You can make this rum drink with simple ingredients in 5 minutes!
5 stars from 2 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Method Mixed
Servings 1

Ingredients
 

  • 2 ounces light rum
  • 4 ounces coke
  • lime, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Pour rum into a glass filled with ice.
  • Top with coke.
  • Garnish with lime and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 173cal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled collage for rum and coke drink recipe

Originally published July 2021, updated and republished June 2024

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5 Comments

  1. Absolutely loathe R & C! My first drinking experience did not go well since I didn’t know about “ratio” of rum to coke. To this day can’t stand even the smell of rum.

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